Lang
4/22/23
A Washington County man faces over two-dozen livestock neglect charges after investigators say they found over 100 deceased animals on his property.
Washington County deputies and the Iowa Farm Sanctuary were called to a property on 170th Street, south of Kalona, last November after receiving a report that a dead lamb had been in the same location at the farm for a week. Investigators report finding “deplorable” conditions with starving sheep, goats, and pigs living with inadequate food and water among multiple deceased animals. Over 170 living animals and over 100 animal carcasses were removed from the property.
At one point during the investigation the farm’s resident, 76-year-old Roger Escher, was reportedly seen using a skid loader to remove carcasses. Investigators believe he was trying to hide the deceased animals from the investigation.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office has received complaints about the farm in recent years when hogs have been found roaming loose, with some being hit by cars on nearby roads.
Escher turned himself in at the Washington County Jail just before 8:45 Thursday morning and was charged with 24 counts of Simple Livestock Neglect and one count of Serious Livestock Neglect. If convicted on all charges, Escher faces a maximum of three years in jail.